Brett Simpson and Timmy Reyes lead the local charge Friday at the Honda U.S. Open of Surfing. The two Huntington Beach surfers surfed strong heats in shifting conditions for wins.

Simpson looked a lot like Reyes did yesterday, coming from fourth to first late in the heat and handily beat San Clemente’s Dane Gudauskas 18.87-12.50.

Two hard hits on the outside then a small aerial on the inside for a 9.87 and the lead. A few minutes later, he launched a huge frontside air for a 9.0 and the win. Gudauskas who surfed another very good heat, had been in the lead until Simpson seemed to find his ‘on’ switch.

“I had such a slow start, it was frustrating. I took it out on the waves,” Simpson chuckled. “I went over by the pier and nobody was there. You never want to think you have it sealed.”

Gudauskas is the only one of his brothers left in the men’s event, after twin brother Patrick finished a very disappointing fourth in his midday heat. But Dane stayed aggresive and found the waves, including a 6.67 at the end to advance.

“Conditions changed a lot out there,” Gudauskas said. I saw Brett’s wave and I knew I had to step it up.”

Reyes, had to work for today’s victory, just beating Tim Boal 13.00-12.56 in smaller conditions.

“Today the current was ripping through. It’s pushing things left. I was tired after my first wave,” Reyes said. “You have to have some wave knowledge, because during the heat there just wasn’t any waves with big scoring potential.”

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